Is Kestrel really gone forever? What will Bowman do if she isn't? What lifechanging role does Pinto have yet to play? Why am I asking all these questions I know answers to? Set directly after 'Firesong'. On hiatus - too many fics, not enough time D:

Author's note: This fic. is set directly after the
third book in 'The Wind on Fire' trilogy. Like everything I
write, the story starts off slow. Please bear with me.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or
locations etc. (sadly). The only thing that is mine is the plot.

*****

The day
had been wonderful, but long. Night was falling. In the dim evening
light, Bowman Hath left the newly-weds' celebrations to find his
father.

Hanno
Hath was nowhere to be found. As the bride's father, he had
attended the wedding, and the beginning of the party that ensued.
Naturally, he had been very happy to see his daughter, Pinto, marry
such a great friend as Mumpo.

Bowman
knew that his father had been happy at the time of the wedding,
earlier that day. But he couldn't help feeling that the darkness of
night had brought a cloud of sadness into his father's heart.
Bowman knew that it was hard to accept that all the joy of seeing
Pinto marry was being experienced only by her father and brother.
Pinto's mother, Ira, and sister, Kestrel, had both died for the
sake of their people two years ago.

Bowman
could tell that he would find his father at the cemetery, where he so
often went to reflect on the things of the past.

Cheer
up Bo; exclaimed Kestrel, Pinto got married today! I saw her!

It
wasn't entirely true that all links had been cut between Bowman and
his twin sister. He and Kestrel had always had an emotional bond that
ran so deep that they could communicate telepathically. Ira may have
gone for ever, but Kestrel was still tied to this world via her
brother.

Did
you see Pinto get married with your own eyes, Kess? asked Bowman,
or did you see through mine?

Neither, replied Kestrel, I can hear your thoughts, but I
can't actually visualise anything. Or can I? It's hard, you know.
I guess being me is like being blind, or something. I've been
stripped of all senses, except hearing. I can hear you.

Are
you saying that you're sort of, well, floating about in limbo…?
Bowman had never had this sort of conversation with his sister
before. He'd never wanted to. What if it had turned out that she
was some sort of a figment of his imagination? A living memory – if
such a thing exists? He didn't think he would've been able to
bear it.

Limbo?
Maybe, if that's what you want to call it. I'd have a look around
and check for you, but sadly, I can't.

Bowman
was used to Kestrel's dry sense of humour, but this smart remark
seemed to have had some bitterness mixed in with it.

Kestrel
continued.

I
don't have a body. I'm not really anything. It's kind of like
the way we used to talk to each other, telepathically, only this
time, you're the receiver, only there's nothing on the other end.

That
doesn't make any sense, retorted Bowman, as he trod the narrow
path to the cemetery. Was that his father standing near one of the
graves? You're definitely something.

Are
you sure?

Stop
talking like that. Of course you're something.

If
only I was. I really wish things could be as they used to.

Bowman
sighed as he approached Hanno Hath. He was crying. Don't we all.

*****

So
that's chapter one. As I mentioned before, this is a slow start but
things will get more interesting later. Please review so that I know
if this is worth continuing.

And for
future reference, via reviewing or my poll (visit my profile) or
whatever, please tell me if you prefer Kestrel or Bowman…your
opinions could change this fic.!

Thanks!

The author would like to thank you for your continued support. Your review has been posted.